Five books as the year rolls to an end
The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton. This book makes its third appearance in this column because of the profundity it brings to the political landscape and the simplicity of language. Written by David Gergen, a white house Adviser to four American Presidents, it is a book that everyone who is a politician, media practitioner, […]
The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton. This book makes its third appearance in this column because of the profundity it brings to the political landscape and the simplicity of language. Written by David Gergen, a white house Adviser to four American Presidents, it is a book that everyone who is a politician, media practitioner, political analyst and keen watcher of Nigerian political history must have. Taking us inside the administrations of Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton, Gergen reflects on everything from why Nixon was the best global strategist among recent American Presidents to how the Bill and Hillary seesaw rocked the white house during Clinton’s tenure as President. David Gergen offers a vivid behind the scenes account of the struggles of each president to exercise power and draws from them key lessons for leaders of the future. A must read in these political times by Political Aspirants, Media Strategists and Political Analysts alike.
The demand of 21st century living is increasingly driving us collectively insane. Is it how young people manage social media or how social media is abused? I have nothing against those on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and all those things out there that keeps one perpetually on their handheld. I am quite happy to be on one not 5 because I get so busy, social media addiction is not one of the things I need. I know and I have been told that the media helps to keep you current and gives you a voice and also helps to promote whatever values, thoughts or products you have but you know I would touch and go, I would be on some but not on all at the expense of my concentration. But then everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This is the time to take stock of your social media life but also to read Oliver James’ Affluenza. An incredible book about an epidemic of ‘Affluenza’ sweeping through the English speaking world, an obsessive, envious, keeping up with the joneses that makes Europeans twice as prone to depression, anxiety and addictions than people in other developed nations. And now Europeans are infecting the rest of the world with this virulent virus. Described by Avner Offer, Professor of Economic history at Oxford University as “a sizzling reality check”. It’s a must read as the year goes down to help you get your priorities right.
Everyone should grab a copy of any of the International magazines for an analysis of world affairs in the last twelve months and predictions and projections for 2015. Here is where you get your forecast for what is trending, how to fit into 2015 plans and where your nation stands on the 2015 forecast economically, socially and politically. They also offer copious pages on how Arts and culture fared in the year before and what to look out for in the year ahead. There are also fashion leads and science breakthroughs. My favourites always are Times, the Economist, Vogue, Vanity Fair and Instyle. Back home I read as many magazines as I can. For lifestyle, Genevieve and TW and for current affairs anyone that catches my fancy at the stand. I also read a lot of Newspapers particularly the weekend dailies which are packed with useful end of year stories and incoming year projections.
As we slowly wind down 2014, it’s a good time to see how media has been influencing the world. Be it revolutions, or industrialization or giving you a peek into who is running in the 2015 election in Nigeria and the media’s agenda setting role all over the world. The book to give you the media’s historical antecedents in all of this is Masters of the Word: How the media Shaped History by William Bernstein. The Financial Times dubs it “A highly entertainment read”.
With the amount of terror facing citizens these days with bomb blasts being almost our daily diet I believe spiritual books are the best books to turn to as the year comes to an end. It is time I believe to reflect on governance, leadership, followership and spirituality. To ask for mercy and the grace of God. I am currently reading a truly humbling book Two Thousand Years of the Catholic Church edited by Bernadine Evaristo. The poem, the Bible passages, the amazing calmness throughout the book keeps me centered in these difficult times.
BONUS BOOKS
A big fat hilarious book to tide you over into 2015.
A truly amazing saga that gives you the heritage, life and intrigues of a family through three generations.
A crime thriller with an exciting, head-spinning, adrenalin pumping, who dunnit story.
A memoir to tell you the inspiring story of another. Every memoir is a learning curve for the reader. I am currently reading Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. It is a story of the growing up years of Frank McCourt in New York and Ireland. A story of extreme hardship and suffering, yet told in a funny bittersweet way. It is a story of courage and survival against apparently overwhelming odds. A good read.
Go ahead, reward yourself. You have worked hard all year round. Get yourself tucked in a chair somewhere 30minutes a day and loose yourself to a good book. Travel out of your environment through a book.
Enjoy!